In loving memory of Denise Marie (Deren) Cretella of Clinton, Connecticut, who graced this world for 73 years, smiling widely and loving fiercely. Denise passed away suddenly on August 1, 2023, while hiking with her husband of 52 years, Thomas Arthur Cretella, and her little dog, Annie, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Born on April 27, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, to her parents Michael and Rosemarie Deren, Denise's life was an embodiment of love for her family and friends. She was the loving mother of her daughter, Nicole (Matt) Talmadge of Madison, and son, Michael (Kate) Cretella of Guilford. She is survived by her five grandchildren, Cooper Burke, Lucy Burke, Maddox Talmadge, Felix Talmadge, and Rosie Cretella. She is also survived by her beloved brother Paul Deren of North Haven, her sister-in-law Joan Marotto of Wallingford, her brother-in-law Jay Cretella of Alabama, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved as her own children.

Denise is a graduate of St. Mary's High School in New Haven, where she met Tom, the love of her life, while cheering for his Notre Dame Football Team. Denise and Tom married on August 14, 1971. They built a rich life together.

After graduating from St. Mary's, Denise studied Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport, proudly becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. Denise and Tom settled in Madison, Connecticut in 1978, where they raised their two children. Denise pursued her career in dental hygiene, first in private practice and then for the Veterans Administration Hospitals of CT, while standing steadfastly beside Tom as he founded Cretella & Associates Insurance in Madison.

Denise and Tom's bond was a testament to the power of commitment, love, and support. Family was always at the core of their lives. Together with their children, Denise and Tom relished skiing in the Green Mountains of Vermont and hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was in those wild places that they nurtured a love of the outdoors in their children while teaching them the importance of family.

Denise had a boundless passion for giving. Whether volunteering as a dedicated leader in the Girl Scouts, serving as Past President of Madison Womens' Club, or assisting as an Information Volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club, she left an indelible mark on every endeavor she undertook. Denise brought laughter and smiles as "Dottie D" the clown in countless 4th of July Parades. She was a regular at Sunday morning coffee at RJ Julia's Booksellers with her friends. Denise loved hosting Thanksgiving with an all-are-welcome invitation, crafting humorous, original poems to celebrate each guest at her table. Denise had a propensity for making friends wherever she went. Always up for adventure, Denise and Tom traveled the country with their lifelong friends. In every circle, she spread warmth to all.

Undoubtedly, Denise's greatest source of joy was her grandchildren. As "Mimi," she read every book, baked every cookie, and attended every celebration of learning. She was the loudest fan at every game proudly donning her black and gold. And her grandchildren adored her in return, sharing dog memes, searching for wildflowers on the trail, planning elaborate "Mimi Sleepovers," and trusting her with their hopes and dreams. Above all, Denise taught her grandchildren the power of unconditional love.

To celebrate Denise's life, the family encourages you to explore the outdoors, support your local bookseller, or make a donation to one of her two favorite charities: Appalachian Mountain Club (https://www.outdoors.ora/campaigns/summer-match-appeal/) or Help Alberta Wildies Society (https://www.helpalbertawildiessociety.com/donate/)

Calling hours will be on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd, Madison, Connecticut, from 9:30 to 11:00, followed by an 11:00 memorial service at the same location and burial at West Cemetery, Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Carl Swan of Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.